Saint Leo Women: Palomba’s Career-High Four Goal Performance Not Enough Against Colorado Mesa
SAINT LEO, Fla. – Maria Palomba registered a career-high night scoring four goals off four shots. The freshman from Lawrenceville, Ga. also led the Saint Leo women’s lacrosse team off the draw with seven. Despite the big night, the Lions dropped an overtime decision, 13-12 to the Colorado Mesa Mavericks on Thursday. The non-conference heartbreak moved the Green and Gold’s record to 3-7 overall while the Mavs improved to 4-2 on the season.
Three-goal run in the second period saw Delaney Gilchrist, Maria Palomba, assisted by Ava Valenti, followed by a Valenti goal, which lifted the Lions 8-5 over the Mavs.
The third period didn’t go the Lions’ way as the Mavs claimed the lead after outscoring the Green and Gold 4-1.
The drama unfolded as Delaney Gilchrist found the back of the net to level the game at 11. Maria Palomba then won the draw and drew a free position shot. She converted the opportunity to raise Saint Leo 12-11 with 26 seconds remaining in regulation.
Colorado Mesa silenced the Lions cheers with the quick equalizer to force overtime. A 34-second play notched the decision as Taylor Jakeman slung the game-winner.
Reagan Buhrman was a big presence for the Lions, winning six draw controls, causing a pair of turnovers, picking up three ground balls, and recording an assist. Fiona McLaughlin and Delaney Gilchrist also made some noise on offense each registering a hat-trick.
In goal, Makayla Goetz earned four saves in 61:35 minutes of action.
Up next, Saint Leo will open conference play hosting Lynn on Saturday, March 26. The Lions and Fighting Knights first draw is set for 1:00 p.m. inside University Turf Stadium.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women’s lacrosse, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
